ZAGHETTO, Gerardo (Gerry)

Our Father, Gerardo, passed away peacefully at the Rockyview General Hospital on Friday, April 12, 2013 at the age of 98 years, surrounded by his loving family.

Dad was born in Campo San Martino, Padova, Italy, then relocated to Rieti where he met the love of his life, Rosina. They were married on April 28, 1938. Soon after the birth of their first child, Dad was called to serve as an Alpino during World War II.

After the war, he made the difficult decision to leave his parents and numerous siblings for Canada in search of a better life for his growing family. Even though Dad had limited education, his thirst for knowledge and his inquisitive mind was always wanting to learn right up until his passing.

Mom and Dad’s marriage was blessed with four children, Rita, Piera, John, and Norma. Dad was predeceased by his wife of sixty-three years Rosina; son John; granddaughter Coreen; and son-in-law Mario. Left to cherish many fond memories are Rita and her husband Gabriele, Piera and her fiancé Jim, Norma and daughter-in-law Teri. Our father’s pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was forever evident, always inquiring about their lives and achievements. The grandchildren, who were the joys of his life are Bruno (Debbie), Noreen (Alan), Dean (Linda), Nadia (Graham), Mark (Glenda), Scott (Nelia), Stephanie, Andrea (Kyle), Vincent (Stephanie), and Paul. The fourteen great-grandchildren who were loved beyond explanation are Anthony, Jeremy, Alyssa, Michaela, Kinleigh, Taylor, Jared, Matteo, Milena, Cierra, Alexia, Maximus, Luca, and Simone.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (400 Edmonton Trail N.E.) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations directly to causes that were dear to our father’s heart such as, CNIB Canada (www.cnib.ca) or Ronald McDonald House (www.ahomeawayfromhome.org/southern).

In living memory of Gerardo Zaghetto, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

We offer condolences to your family in the loss of your dear father. We remember so well our first home in Calgary which was in his home and how helpful and welcoming he was to us. A very gentle and kind man.

Dear Comare Rita & Family, Comare Piera & Family, Comare Norma & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
We always enjoy visiting with Compare Gerardo. He was very special person to our family and will be missed very much.
Comare Antonia Coronetta, Anna Coronetta & John Coronetta

Dear Norma and all the Zaghetto family;
Such a blessing he had in you and your family and your loving care of him especially in these last few months. He lived a long life and was obviously much loved and will be fondly remembered. My sincerest condolences to all the family.